[Androzani84]

So episode 43. Neither Akaishi or Karizaki Sr. were actually perma-dead last time, but this time, it seems to stick. Now normally, I’m not a fan of resurrecting bad guys with perfectly serviceable deaths to give them more generic deaths (see my thoughts on Hurricaneger 36-37, my thoughts on Go-Busters 43 and 47 whenever I get around to writing those up, and next episode of this show, when we get there). But given how anticlimactic Akaishi’s previous end was, I’m much happier to see Hikaru do a full Genomix to cripple him. Even if I wished that had killed him, rather than Daiji coming in to shoot him.

And before Karizaki Sr. dies, he adds a DIFFERENT retcon for George!s behaviour to the “just following orders” explanation. It’s about as popular (read: not at all) as the previous debut, especially since the idea that demons can be transferred like crypto has never been brought up before, and this seems like an even more blatant explanation for the sudden shift. Especially with Karizaki saying “It might’ve influenced George’s earlier behaviour”, even though that isn’t how any of the demons in this show, Igarashi-born or otherwise, have worked that way.

Ikki: It’s Ikki’s…

Vice: And Vice’s…

Both: Stamp Navi!

Ikki: And today’s stamp is this one!

Komodo Dragon!

This World! Oh my God! This World’s Dragon! Komodo Dragon! If You Don’t Fight, You Won’t Be Alive!

Ikki: The Komodo Dragon Vistamp grants a Neo-Burst for the Demons System in the form of the Komodo Dragonic Heat, allowing for a burst of fire to be unleashed.

Vice: Jesus Christ! And I thought the Lion Vistamp was super hot.

George: Speaking of things that are “super hot”, today’s Legend is… this one.

Desire Driver: Ryuki!

Shinji: Henshin!

George: Kamen Rider Ryuki, Shinji Kido. A journalist who stumbled into the Rider Battle in the Mirror World and contracted with the monster Dragredder. He fought to end the battle once and for all, but only managed to make it worse by dragging it out. But he won out, as the whole thing was wiped from history when the Mirror World was closed.

“If you don’t fight, you won’t survive.”

Vice: Hmm, if the Mirror World was closed, then how come you know so much abou-? (Zoom out to reveal George is now dressed in 18th century styled clothing) What the? When did that happen?

(Enter Tsumuri, wearing a red and black Lolita dress, with her hair worn down)

Tsumuri: (presenting a pair of Mission Boxes, one Bikkuri, one Hatena, to Vice and Ikki) Congratulations. You’ve been accepted into the Desire Royale. Starting today, you’re a Kamen Rider.

Vice: B-but, your show hasn’t started yet. And we’re already Kamen Riders…

(But Ikki has already opened the mission box, and donned the…)

Desire Driver!

Ikki: I’m boiling up now. Henshin!

(He inserts his I/D Core)

Entry!

He transforms into a DGP Rider, with Revi Rex Genome’s usual head, sans teeth.

Ikki: Vice! You too.

Vice: (clearly confused and distressed) We’re not supposed to reference the Geats Movie War until we’re living it. (Takes his own Desire Driver out of his Bikkuri Box and inserts the I/D Core before donning it and taking out and inserting the Raise Buckle in the Hatena Mission Box) Let’s Henshin!

Monster! Ready, Fight!

Ikki: Right. Let’s do this. (He takes out and uses his own Raise Buckle to transform)

Beat! Ready? Fight!

Announcer: What will Ikki and Vice do with their new belts? What does this have to do with Ryuki? Find out in Kamen Rider Geats/Kamen Rider Revice: Movie Battle Royal, coming soon in this watch. But for now, we hope you enjoy the next instalment of Stamp Navi.